Harold Lloyd, an iconic figure in American burlesque, appeared in over two hundred comedies over a period of thirty-four years. It was with “Safety Last!”, released in 1923, that his career took off: his iconic sequence, where the actor climbs a building and hangs from a giant clock, remains one of the greatest moments in comedy ever filmed. This scene is not only a marvel of humor but also a masterpiece in terms of script: physical action is combined with constantly renewed suspense and new gags.
Two years later, “The Freshman” became the biggest success of his career. In this precursor to the teen movie genre, Harold Lloyd plays a lovable antihero, clumsy but more determined than ever to gain popularity. The film is filled with hilarious situations, climaxing in a suspenseful match sequence.
Filmed in 1927, “The Kid Brother” solidifies Harold Lloyd’s reputation: his inventiveness and technical virtuosity, serving the emotion, rival those of his comedy peers, the legendary Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
For his last silent film, “Speedy” (1928), the “man with the horn-rimmed glasses” paints an invaluable portrait of 1920s New York, taking the form of a highly rhythmic stroll through the metropolis. In addition to their irresistible humor and brilliant performances, these four films, available in restored versions, also provide a precious testimony on the urbanization and modernization of America before the 1929 crisis, between the rise of the middle class and the development of consumer society.
Suitable for children and adults, from 6 years old!
